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SYLLABUS 

OF 

MEDICAL LECTURES. 

■ —mam r i n^ i m »ii -- i i ■ ■ n ■ i ■ 11 - ~ i ig ii i % v\ ~ 



t- 



SYLLABUS 



#?THI 



SEVERAL COURSES OF MEDICAL LECTURES 



DELIVERED IN THE 



COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS AND SURGEONS 



07 THE 



UNIVERSITY* OF THE STATE OF NEW-YORK, 



NEW-YORK: 

PRINTED BY VAN WINKLE AND WILET, 
Corner of Wall and New-streets. 

1814. 






Rl4 









n 



SYLLABUS 

OF 

THE LECTURES 

DELIVERED IN 

THE COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS AND SURGEONS 

IN THE 

CITY OF NEW-YORK. 



ANATOMY, SURGERY, AND PHYSIOLOGY. 

The Lectures on Anatomy, Physiology, and Surgery are delivered by 
Professor Wright Post, M. D. 

The anatomical course commences with the history of anatomy, from 
the earliest ages to the present period; after which the first object is to 
take a general view of the principal parts of which the body is compo- 
sed, endeavouring to explain the use of each, and manner of connexion, 
so as to give a general idea of the animal economy. The professor 
then proceeds to investigate, with the greatest possible accuracy, the 
more particular branches of anatomy, by first unfolding the structure 
of the different organs, and afterwards explaining their functions. In 
prosecuting this inquiry, the body is divided into the following sys- 
tems: 1. Osseous, 2. Muscular, 3. Chylopoietic, 4. Vascular, 5. Se- 
cretory, 6. Nervous, 7. Respiratory, 8. Connecting and communica- 
ting, 9. Defensive, 10. Genital. Under one or other of these heads any 
part of the human body may be arranged; and this division is preferred 
to that in more common use, as being equally expressive and more 
comprehensive. 

Having explained the structure and functions of the different organs 
in their natural state, an attempt is made to give a correct idea of the 



6 

ehauges which they undergo by disease. In this investigation, it is 
not considered sufficient barely to mention and exhibit the appearancei 
which manifest themselves upon dissection, and to explain the manner 
of their production, which, strictly speaking, would be all that patholo- - 
gy implies, but also to point out the symptoms which characterize each 
individual disease, and to recommend such treatment as, from expe- 
rience, has been found most beneficial. 

The Professor of Anatomy will further, on all occasions, keep in 
view the application of anatomy to surgery. This will lead him fre- 
quently to make observations on surgery ; and as the importance of 
the subject demands it, so it will be his particular aim to show where 
the skill of the surgeon and the success of his practice will depend 
upon an accurate knowledge of anatomy. 

It may not be uninteresting to those who wish to be informed of all 
the advantages which the School of Anatomy in the College of Physi- 
cians and Surgeons affords, to state, that a very extensive collection of 
anatomical preparations is added to the College; in which the intimate 
structure of all the important organs in the body is made so conspicu- 
ous, that where description fails to give clear conceptions, the eye may 
convey to the mind a just and accurate knowledge. 

The lectures on anatomy, &c. are delivered daily throughout the 
session. 



THEORY AND PRACTICE OF PHYSIC AND CLINICAL MEDICINE. 

The Professorship of the Theory and Practice of Physic and Clinical 
Medicine is held by David Hosack, M. D. 

Introductory to the practical subjects which this course embraces, 
and for the benefit of those pupils who may be commencing, or may 
have recently entered upon the study of medicine, Dr. Hosack com- 
mences by exhibiting a compendious view of the structure of the hu- 
man body ; more especially directing the attention of his pupils to the 
various functions it performs in a state of health, including those ap- 
pertaining to the mind as well as the body. 

In this view, particular attention is given to those functions which 
physiologists have denominated the natural functions of the system. 
Under this head, the various excretions, both as regards their influ- 
ence in health, as well as the changes they undergo by disease, receive 
that attention which their importance demands. 



The causes of disease, whether inherent in the system, or produced 
by the operation of external agents, are next enumerated. 

The influence of climate, soil, food, sleep, clothing, exercise, both 
mental and bodily, the passions of the mind, the functions peculiar to 
the different sexes, the various trades and occupations of life, in as far 
as they are either directly or indirectly the sources of disease, are se- 
verally noticed in this part of the course : as the subject of climate em- . 
braces circumstances equally interesting to the philosopher and physi- 
cian, particular attention is given to the influence which it exerts upon 
the bodily and intellectual powers of man. In connexion with this dis- 
cussion, due regard is also paid to the sensible and adventitious quali- 
ties of the atmosphere, and their agency in the production of endemic 
and epidemic disorders. Dr. Hosack next inquires how far the func- 
tions of the constitution possess in themselves the power of removing 
diseases, as ascribed to them by most of the ancient and by some mo- 
dern physicians; and concludes the preliminary part of the course with 
an outline of that preparatory knowledge which it is necessary for the 
physician to possess when he approaches the bedside of the sick. 

He next proceeds to a description of the various diseases to which 
the human frame is exposed, arranging the whole in such manner as he 
conceives best calculated to assist the student in acquiring a knowledge 
of the characters of each, the causes which produce them, and the 
means to be employed for their prevention and cure. , With this view 
Dr. Hosack distributes diseases into the eight following classes : 

1 . Febres, (Fevers,) embracing the various forms of 
Intermitting, 

Remitting, and 
Continued Fevers. 

2. Phlegmasia, (Inflammations,) containing all diseases of an inflam- 
matory nature. 

3. Cutanei, (diseases of the skin,) in which all the cutaneous diseases 
are arranged agreeably to the orders adopted by Dr. Willan. 

4. Prqftuvia, (excessive discharges,) including all hemorrhages, as 
well as the morbid discharges which take place from the excretory 
organs of the system. 

5. Suppressions, (suppressions,) or those diseases which, consist in a 
suppression or diminution of the natural evacuations. 

6. Neuroses, (nervous diseases,) embracing all those which more es- 
pecially reside in the nervous system, including the various diseases 
of the mind, as well as those of the body. 

7. Cachexia, (vitiations,) the diseases more peculiarly arising from 



8 

a morbid condition of the fluids of the system ; including those which 
arise from their redundance either general or partial, as the various 
forms of dropsy, and those disorders which proceed from a vitiated 
state of the circulating mass. 

8. Locales, (local diseases,) containing tumours, dislocations, wounds, 
ulcers, and other diseases usually denominated local. 

Having pointed out the objects and advantages of this nosological 
arrangement, Dr. Hosack proceeds to delineate the various diseases 
which it comprehends. 

The subject of fevers, which fall under the daily observation of 
every practitioner, and which derive peculiar importance from the 
epidemics with which the United States have been visited since the 
year 1791, receives especial notice in this course. 

When describing the treatment of diseases, Dr. Hosack not only 
minutely details the remedies to be prescribed, their mode of opera- 
tion, and the different stages in which they are severally indicated; 
but the diet and regimen of the sick, including all those circumstances 
which have an influence upon the character of diseases, and which it 
is equally the duty of the physician to direct, are also embraced in this 
course of lectures. 

Upon the Saturday of each week throughout the session, he also de- 
livers a lecture upon the diseases which prevail in the city of New- 
York, and illustrates the same by the relation of the most interesting 
cases which occur in his private practice. 

Dr. Hosack meets his class daily \ throughout the session. 



CHEMISTRY. 

The Lectures on Chemistry are delivered byW. J. Mac Neven, M. D. 

the Professor. 

The course of Chemistry, delivered by Professor Mac JNeven in 
this College, is comprised in not less than eighty-four lectures, deliver- 
ed during four months. The following outline of the subjects compre- 
hended in the course will give an idea of its extent and advantages. 

Chemical attraction and the laws of chemical changes: affinity; 
Crystallization. 

Repulsion ; comprising electrical repulsion and attraction, and their 
relation to chemical changes; as likewise Galvanic attractions and re- 
pulsions, and their relation to chemical changes. Under this head, 



9 

electricity, now become so important a chemical agent, is treated of; 
the principal experiments in this science are exhibited ; and as the 
class consists chiefly of students of medicine, the application of electri- 
city to their profession is explained and illustrated. 

Calorific repulsion; temperature, and the instruments for measuring 
it ; expansion by caloric ; specific caloric of bodies ; the motion and 
communication of caloric ; the temperature of the atmosphere. 

Light, and its operation in producing chemical changes. 

Oxygen, and its combination wiih simple inflammable bodies. 1st. 
With the metals that produce alkalis ; potassium, sodium. 2d. With the 
metals that produce alkaline earths ; barium, calcium, magnesium, alu- 
minum, silicum, strontium, zirconium, ittrium, glucinum. 3d. With 
the metals that produce oxydes ; manganese, zinc, tin, iron, copper, 
lead, antimony, bismuth, cobalt, mercury, silver, gold, platina, tellu- 
rium, nickel, uranium, osmium, tungsten, titanium, columbium, cerium, 
palladium, iridium, rhodium. Ath. With the metals that produce 
acids; arsenic, chrome, molybdena. 

In treating of the metals in detail, the Professor enters into their 
mineralogical history, the analysis of their ores, their properties, their 
uses in the arts, and the medicinal preparations which they furnish. 

Of oxygen in combination with hydrogen and nitrogen. — Ammonia : 
Methods of obtaining ammonia; properties of ammonia. 

Of oxygen in combination with nitrogen only. — Atmospheric air; 
analysis of; its chemical and physical properties ; nitrous gas ; nitric 
oxyde ; nitric acid ; eudiometry ; nitrates. 

Of oxygen with hydrogen only. — Water, in the state of ice ; in the 
fluid state ; in the state of gas. 

Of oxygen in combination with carbon. — Gaseous oxyde of carbon; 
carbonic acid ; carbonates. 

Of oxygen in combination with sulphur. — Sulphurous oxyde ; sul- 
phurous acid ; sulphuric acid ; sulphates ; sulphites ; sulphuretes ; sul- 
phuric aether. 

Of oxygen in combination with phosphorus. — -Phosphorous acid ; 
phosphoric acid ; phosphates ; phosphites ; phosphurets. 

Of hydrogen and its combination with si?nple inflammables. 

Of hydrogen in combination with carbon.*— Olefiant gas ; carbureted 
hydrogen. 

Of hydrogen in combination with sulphur. — Sulphureted hydrogen; 
hydrosulphurets ; supersulphureted hydrogen, and its compounds. 

Of hydrogen in combination with phosphorus. — Phosphoreted hy- 
drogen gas. 



10 

Of muriatic acid. — Muriates ; metallic, alkaline, earthy. 

Of chlorine. — Hyperoxy muriates ; alkaline, earthy ; bleaching* 

Of fluoric acid. — Fluates ; alkaline, earthy. 

Of boracic acid. — Borates ; metallic, alkaline, earthy. 
Of the Chemical Physiology of Vegetables* 

Of vegetation. — Germination; the food of plants ; motion of the sap; 
functions of the leaves. 

Of the proximate principles of vegetables* — Of gum; sugar; fecula; 
honey; gluten; gelatine; caoutchouc; bird-lime; wax; fixed oil; 
volatile oil ; camphor ; resin ; gum-resin ; balsam ; extract. 

Of Tannin. — Preparation of tannin ; combination of tannin with ge- 
latin; tannin with alkalis; with earths; with oxydes; with acids; spe- 
cies of tannin. 

Of gallic acid* — Preparation of gallic acid; properties of gallic acid; 
gallates. 

Of prussic acid. — Preparation of prussic acid ; properties of prussic 
acid; prussiates. 

Of citric acid. — Preparation of citric acid ; properties of citric acid; 
citrates. 

Of malic acid. — Preparation of malic acid; properties of malic acid; 
malates. 

Of oxalic acid. — Preparation of oxalic acid; properties of oxalic 
acid; oxalates. 

Of tartaric acid. — Preparation of tartaric acid; tartrites. 

Of acetic atid* — Preparation of acetic acid; properties of acetic 
acid; medicated vinegars; acetites; acetic aether. 

Of the formation of animal substances and of animal products.- — Of 
die blood ; of the chyle ; of the lymph, saliva, pancreatic, and gastric 
fluids ; of the bile and biliary calculi ; of urine ; urea and urinary cal- 
culi ; of fibrin ; of skin ; celular fibre, membrane, tendon, ligament, car- 
tilage, bone, and shell. 

Of the functions of animals* — Of digestion ; of respiration ; of assi- 
milation; of the decomposition of animal bodies. 

While treating of vegetable and animal substances, the articles they 
furnish to the materia medica are in every case considered, and their 
pharmaceutic preparations distinctly taught. 



II 



OBSTETRICS AND THE DISEASES OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 

The Lectures on Obstetrics and the Diseases of Women and Children 
are delivered by Professor John C. Osborne, M. D. 

This course commences with a brief history of the progress of this 
branch of medicine from the earliest ages to the present time. The sexual 
characteristics of the female constitution are examined and described. 
The difference in the anatomical structure of the male and female body 
will include a minute description ojf the structure and functions of the 
organs of generation of the latter : in desdribiog these functions, the 
theories of generation and meosturation are particularly attended to. 
The diseases of these organs, and the suspended or irregular exercise, 
of their functions are particularly described, and the modes of treat- 
ment foriheir relief copiously narrated. 

The opinions of philosophers and physicians on the nature of con- 
ception, and the agency of either party in producing it, is followed by a 
description of the symptoms indicating its existence, and the com- 
plaints incident to the pregnant state, and the modes of relieving them. 

The period of utero-gestation and the symptoms of labour ; the various 
species of labour, natural, laborious, preternatural, and complicated, are 
described, and the modes of affording assistance are exemplified on the 
machine. To this succeeds the treatment of the parturient patient and 
the infant : the various diseases of iofancy are particularly attended to. 

These lectures are delivered twice a week, and practical illustrations 
given at the lying-in ward of the hospital, of such important cases as 
may occur during the course. 



CLINICAL PRACTICE OF MEDICINE. 

The Professorship of the Clinical Practice of Medicine is held by 
William Hamersley, M. D. 

In this course of lectures are delivered the general principles of the 
practice of physic, illustrated by the clinical practice of the New-York 
Hospital. The importance of this course needs no elucidation. A 
regular record of all the important cases is taken, to which students 
have access, and may copy at their pleasure. 



12 



THE PRINCIPLES A3SD PRACTICE OF SURGERY. 

The Lectures on the Principles and Practice of Surgery are delivered 
by Professor Valentine Mott, M. D. 

The course is arranged under two great heads: 1st, Operative 
surgery — 2d. Medical surgery. The first comprehends the various 
operations and accidents to which the body is liable, and the second 
the numerous diseases which fall under the notice and care of a sur- 
geon. 

The following subjects are treated of iu the operative part of the 
course : 

Irritation and sympathy, and the influence of the mind upon the 
body, as they apply to surgery. 

Inflammation, and its consequences. 

Injuries of the head; divided into external, or affections of the inte- 
guments ; and internal, or concussion and compression and fungus cere- 
bri. Operation. 

Aneurisms, with the general doctrine ; divided into external and in- 
ternal. External, as popliteal, inguinal, carotid, subclavian, &c. In- 
ternal, aorta, &c. ; varicose and aneurism from anastomosis ; aneurism 
of the extreme arteries. Operations. 

Hydrocele. Its various kinds; affects other parts of the body than the 
scrotum, spina bifida, &c. 

Diseases of the testicles. Hydatid, scirrhus, scrophulous, pulpy, and 
fungus testicle-; castration, sarcocele, sclerocele, varicocele, hsemato- 
cele, &c. 

Diseases of the breasts. Hydatid, scirrhus, pulpy or soft cancer, fun- 
gus hasmatodes, aud steatomatous tumour. Operation. Painful tumour 
in young females. 

Retention and suppression of urine. Difference ; causes ; opera- 
tions for retention ; opening into the urethra ; treatment of suppression. 

Diseases of the eyes. Ophthalmia; cataract. Various kinds ; opera- 
tions; extraction; depression; anterior operation of Saunders; Dr. 
Adams' operation ; artificial pupil ; staphyloma; hydrophthalmia ; car- 
cinoma; extirpation; amaurosis. 

Fistula lachry?nalis. Nature ; treatment ; operation. 

Polypi in the nose, throat, Sec. Treatment. 

Removal of the tonsil gland. 

Dropsy of the abdomen. Different kiads ; paracentesis. 



13 

Fistula in ano. Nature and treatment. 

Piles and excrescences. Treatment. 

Amputations. These are shown upon the recent subject, with all 
their varieties. 

imputation, and cancer of the penis. 

Tic douloureux. Its nature ; medical treatment ; operation upon the 
different nerves. 

Bronchotomy. In suspended respiration in drowning and hanging; 
for noxious airs; tumours pressing on the trachea ; extraneous substan- 
ces in the tracheae, &c. Different modes of operating. 

Lithotomy in men. Calculi found in five different parts of the uri- 
nary organs. Different kinds of calculi ; chemical composition. Va- 
rious modes of performing the lateral operation. 

Lithotomy in women. 

Hernia. The new anatomy demonstrated, and the varieties of her- 
nia extensively described. 

Fractures. Generally and particularly. 

Sprains. Nature and treatment. 

Dislocations. These are particularly described. Under this head 
are considered ganglia, abscesses in the thecse of the fingers, loose 
cartilages in the knee joint, dropsical collections of synovia, in the 
knee joint, bursa between the patella and tibia, under the rectus ten- 
don, &c. 

This comprises the subjects to be treated of in the operative part of 
the course, though the order will be changed as the teacher may deem 
proper for the benefit of the class, and the best use of the materials on 
hand. 

The second division of the course, or the diseases of surgery, com- 
mences with the most common of all, to wit : 

Gonorrhoea. Its consequences, as strictures, fistula in perineo, en- 
largement of the prostrate gland, irritability of the bladder, palsy of 
the bladder, chordee, hemorrhages from the urethra, sympathetic bu- 
boes, inflamed testicles, gleet. External gonorrhoea, gonorrhoea! oph- 
thalmia and rheumatism ; impotence. Gonorrhoea in women ; gleet. 

Chancre. Its consequences, phymosis, paraphimosis, mortification 
of the penis, sloughing of the. urethra, bubo, sore throat, eruptions, pha- 
gedenic ulcer, bones of the nose diseased, nodes, bones of the cranium 
diseased, chancres in women. 

Warts and anomalous affections. 

General observations on the venereal disease, and on the action of 

c 



14 

mercury. Gonorrhoea and chancre not produced by the same poison % 
experiments which prove it. 

Erythema Mercuriale, or hydrargyria. Nature, treatment. 

Scrophula. Disease of the lymphatic glands, tabes mesenterica, 
white swelling, disease of the hip joint, of the spine, psoas and lum- 
bar abscesses, scrophulous disease of the testicles and ophthalmia, pu- 
Tulent eye. 

Diseases of the bones. Caries, necrosis, spina ventosa. 

Cancer, Its consequences and treatment. 

Wounds. Incised, lacerated, contused, and punctured. Tetanus, 
&c. Wounds of arteries, veins, nerves, tendons, abdomen, stomachy 
intestines, &c. Chest, throat, and joints. 

Gun shot wounds. Arteries, chest, abdomen, &e. 

Frost-bitten limbs. 

Burns and scalds. 

Tumours. Adipose, or steatomatous ; encysted, lymphatic, glandu- 
lar, fungus haematodes, hydatid, cutaneous, medullary, exostosis, nevi 
materni, bursa? mucosae, aud bronchocele. 

Bandages. Application aud use. 

Poiso?is. Animal, vegetable, mineral, and morbid. 

Dr. Mott will perform all the various operations upon the dead bo- 
dy before the class, and enable such gentlemen as wish to operate them- 
selves to perform them under his immediate direction. Those parts of 
the course which are most important to the military and naval surgeom 
will claim particular attention. 

The lectures are continued daily throughout the session. 



MEDICAL JURISPRUDENCE. 

The Lectures on Medical Jurisprudence are delivered by Professor 
James S. Stringham, M. D. 

The different subjects to be comprehended in this course are as fol- 
lows: 

1. Some general observations relative to the various divisions of age 
which have been proposed. JN"aevse maternae particularly considered. 

2. The question examined as to the propriety of extracting a foetus 
from the uterus of the mother, who may have died during parturition 



15 

and what are the appearances by which we can positively decide as to 
the actual death of the mother. 

3. Virginity; under which head are included observations relative 
to rape and the crime of sodomy. 

4. Concealed pregnancy, 

5. Pretended pregnancy, with the means of detecting the imposition. 

6. Physiological remarks as to the period at which a foetus may be 
considered as first animated, and the marks by which an animate may 
be distinguished from an inanimate foetus. 

7. Abortion. 

8. Superfoetation. 

9. The doctrine of moles and monstrosity considered, particularly of 
that species termed hermaphrodites. 

10. Impotence and sterility, with the various causes by which they 
may be induced. 

11. Feigned diseases. 

12. Concealed diseases; under which head are noticed those conta- 
gious diseases which are most frequently concealed, with the mode of 
detecting them. 

13. Poisons, with the various modes in which they may be applied, 
the tests by which the metallic poisons may be distinguished, and the 
proper antidote for each of them. 

1 4. The particular manner in which the bodies of those suspected to 
have died in consequence of violence are to be examined. 

15. Wounds; the circumstances necessary iu order to constitute a 
fatal wound, and the consequences arising from wounds of the different 
viscera of the body. 

16. Infanticide; the different modes by which the detection of this 
crime may be effected are particularly noticed. 

17. Death in consequence either of hanging or drowning; its proxi- 
mate cause in both cases, and the most approved methods of restoring 
suspended animation in consequence of either of these causes are point- 
ed out. 

18. Observations on the necessity of medical etiquette, together with 
an account of that most generally adopted. 

19. The propriety of permitting certain manufactories, in thickly 
inhabited places, slaughter houses, &c. considered ; with the means by 
which the unpleasant consequences arising from their proximity may be 
prevented. 

20. The salubrity and insalubrity of particular kinds of water 2 with 
the principal causes of such differences, 



16 



MATERIA MEDICA. 

The Professorship of the Materia Medica is held by John W. 

Francis, M. D. 

The Materia Medica embracing, iu its fullest signification, all those 
substances which are employed, either in a simple or combined state, 
for the cure of diseases, the professor of this department of medical 
science arranges the vaiious subjects of the course under two general 
divisions, aliments and medicines. Under the former head are inclu- 
ded all those substances had recourse to as articles of nutrition, aud 
which are more especially calculated either for augmenting the body 
or repairing its continual waste. The nature of the principal alimen- 
tary substances is examined, and their effects upon the constitution are 
considered : the importance of a due regard to diet and regimen both 
in health and disease is here also pointed out. This view of aliments 
serves, therefore, as an introduction to the various objects embraced in 
the second part of the course. 

The second division, that of medicines, comprehends all those sub- 
stauces whose operation is particularly adapted to excite such changes 
in the system as are calculated for the removal or alteration of its mor- 
bid state. 

The subjects of iuquiry which claim attention when considering the 
articles of the materia medica being properly comprised under three 
heads, that of natural history, of chemical and pharmaceutical history, 
and of medical history, the utility of a knowledge of remedies accord- 
ing to this three-iold view is shown, and its practical importance enfor- 
ced. 

A concise account is next given of the different systems of classifica- 
tion of the articles of the materia medica that have been projected. 
Having unfolded the principles upon which both the older writers and 
the more modern proceeded in establishing their respective methods of 
arrangement, snd endeavoured to show that the errors of the former 
are to be attributed chit fly to their philosophy, too little observant of 
facts, and too prone to hypothesis; and that the defects in the systems 
of classification adopted by the latter have their origin principally in 
the .very nature of medical science, which arrives to perfection only 
by the accumulated observation of ages, the learner is next taught to 
consider the operation and effects of remedies as affording the only 
accurate and certaia knowledge of their medicinal powers. The clasti* 



17 

fication of the articles of tbe materia medica, adopted in this universi» 
ty, is therefore founded on a knowledge of the effects of remedies on 
the human constitution. But while a due regard is, in this respect, 
paid to every substance that comes under notice, an attempt is at 
the same time made to form and preserve an association between the 
active properties and virtues of remedies, and the nature and seat of 
the various diseases in which they may be employed : Such an asso- 
ciation cannot fail to prove in an eminent degree useful, inasmuch as 
an intimate connexion is thence formed between the general indications 
of cure, and the means by which they are fulfilled : the peculiar cha* 
racter and type of disease may suggest to the mind the proper remedy 
for its removal ; and vice versa, the nature and qualities of medicines 
will associate with themselves the diseases and condition of the system 
in which they are indicated. 

The better to understand the particular characters of the several 
classes into which remedies may be divided, the professor of the mate- 
ria medica considers the human body as made up of four distinct parts; 
each, however, to a certain degree connected with the other, and re- 
ciprocally affected by similar causes. These parts are, 

1. The brain and nervous system. 

2. The heart and blood-vessels. 

3. The absorbing, secreting, and excreting system ; and, 

4. The various fluids of the body. 

In correspondence with this view of the human structure, therefore, 
Dr. Francis distributes the various articles entering into the materia 
medica into four classes. 

1. Those remedies whose operation is chiefly confined to the ner- 
vous system, and which for the most part exhaust themselves in their 
operation upon that part of our frame. Under this head is arranged, 
A.— Stimulants, embracing the diffusible stimuli or excitants ; 
and the ptrmoMent stimuli or tonics*, including 
bitters and astringents. 
B. — Sedatives, containing narcotics and antisfias?nodics. 
% In the second class of remedies are associated those which parti 
cularly operate upon the heart and blood-vessels, diminishing the quan- 
tity and the momentum of the circulating mass of fluids. Under this 
head is considered, 

Bloodlftting, both general and local, and the various means em- 
ployed for that purpose. 

3. In the third class of remedies are arranged all those substances 
which act upon the secretions and excretions of the system. Such 



\ 



18 

are emetics, cathartics, sudorijics, expectorants^ diuretics-, and emmena* 
gogues. 

4. The fourth class embraces those remedies which are employed for 
the purpose of correcting any vitiation or morbid condition which may 
exist in the various fluids of the body. This class contains Antiseptics 
and Lithontriptics. 

With regard to the manner in which each article of the materia me- 
dica is treated : having considered the character of any class of reme- 
dies, the various substances proper for that class are associated to- 
gether. If the substance be a vegetable, the generic and trivial name 
of Linnjeus is first given; then the class and order to which it belongs 
in the sexual system ; next the natural order, as improved by Murray 
in his Apparatus Medicamioum ; the country of which it is a native, 
its different places of growth, the officinal name, the vulgar name, and 
the part or parts of the plant employed in medicine, are severally stated. 
Its action on the body is next considered, and as far as facts warrant the 
manner of its operation explained. The diseases in which it is serviceable 
are next pointed out; the dose and form in which it is prescribed; the 
auxiliaries with which it may be joined ; the pharmaceutical prepara- 
tions and compositions ; and, lastly, references are made to the most 
useful authors who have written upon the subject under notice. 

As far as practicable, specimens are exhibited of all the various 
substances as found in their native state, and of their different officinal 
preparations. 

The Lectures on the Materia Medica are delivered three times a 
week during the session. 



NATURAL HISTORY. 

The Lectures on Natural History are delivered by Professor 
Samuel L. Mitchill, M. D. 

This course of Natural History has usually been delivered in about 
seventy lectures. It embraces the three great practical branches of 
the science. 

I. Geology, or the history of the earth, as to the formation, disposi- 
tion, and nature of its constituent parts. Dr. Mitchill teaches the 
doctrine of Werner, and adapts it to the United States and to other 
regions of North America. He takes his illustrations, to great extent, 



19 

from the western world, which contains the strongest evidence in favour 
of the Neptunian system. The professor mingles as much mineralogy 
as to display the rudiments of that science; and he illustrates the whole 
by actual specimens. 

II. Botany, or the history and management of the vegetables grow- 
ing upon the earth. Herein he has been accustomed to give demon- 
strations of the anatomv and physiology of plants, as derived from the 
best authorities and from his own observation ; and thereafter he ex- 
plains the system of Linnjeus, and exemplifies it at great length by 
the native productions of the country. He is a decided sexualist, and 
believes the classification founded upon the male and female parts of 
fructification to be preferable to any other. In performing this ser- 
vice, the forests, fields, and gardens in the vicinity are made to contri- 
bute their productions; and for practical lessons on the genera and 
species, the grand establishment of Elgin; two miles and a half from 
the city, is visited as often as necessary. 

III. Zoology, or the history and arrangement of the animals which 
people the globe. In this division of his subject, the arrangement of 
Cuvier is explained, and adopted as far as it is admissible. The new 
discoveries and improvements are carefully introduced. Many spe- 
cies of animals, especially those which inhabit the waters of New- York 
and its vicinity, are unknown to the men of science and to naturalists. : 
These are pointed out to the student, with their important bearings on 
comparative anatomy, and on the fisheries. The fine preparations in 
Mr. Scudder's Museum are examined. 

The course is intended to unfold at New- York the great doctrines 
taught at Friburgh, TTpsal, and Paris ; and while they are unfolded in 
such a manner as to subserve the purposes of general learning, to ac- 
commodate them particularly to the improvement of gentlemen who 
study medicine.* 



NATURAL PHILOSOPHY. 

The Professorship of Natural Philosophy is held by Benjamin De 
Witt, M. D. Vice President of the College. 

* For a more minute detail of the subjects embraced in this course of lecture?, the 
reader is referred to the Historical Sketch of the College, published in the American Me 
dical and Philosophical Register, vol. iv. 



%*% The Lectures on Anatomy, the Theory and Practice of 
Physic and Clinical Medicine, Chemistry* the Clinical Practice 
of Medicine, Midwifery, Medical Jurisprudence, the Principles 
and Practice of Surgery, and the Materia Medica commence on 
the first Monday of November, and terminate on the first day of 
March. The Lectures on Natural History begin on the first 
Monday in May, and continue daily to the first of August. 

The annual Medical Commencement for the purpose of confer- 
ring Degrees, is held at the College Hall on the first Tuesday of 
May. 



.* 






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